KCD2 vs KCD1: What is New or Different?
So, you’re deep into Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and thinking, “Should I go back and play the first one?” Fair question. But before you hop back into KCD1 expecting a seamless transition, there are some differences (read: downgrades) you should brace yourself for. Let’s break it down.
1. Combat: Then vs. Now
KCD2: Combat is smoother, switching targets is easy, and fights actually feel like you’re dueling someone instead of fighting the game itself.
KCD1: You’re locked onto one enemy at a time like a medieval homing missile. If someone else tries to stab you? Tough luck—unless you manually switch targets, which can be a clunky experience. Oh, and every peasant with a rusty knife somehow knows master strikes.
Verdict: KCD2 refined combat significantly. Going back might feel like trying to fence while wearing mittens.
2. Performance & Load Times
KCD2: Runs better, loads faster, and doesn’t make you feel like you’re running the game on a potato.
KCD1: Load times are long. Fast travel is more like moderately-paced travel, and if you’re skipping time, prepare to stare at a spinning hourglass for a while.
Verdict: If you have the patience of a medieval monk, KCD1 is fine. If not, KCD2 wins hands down.
3. Open World & NPC Behavior
KCD2: Towns feel more alive, NPCs react more naturally, and Henry has more ways to interact with the world.
KCD1: NPCs follow schedules, sure, but they’re not as responsive. Cities feel a little emptier in comparison. You can still do all your medieval shenanigans (stealing, pickpocketing, ruining someone’s life for fun), but it lacks some of KCD2’s polish.
Verdict: KCD1 has great immersion, but KCD2 makes it feel even better.
4. Story & Roleplaying
KCD2: Richer dialogue, better cutscenes, and an evolved Henry who feels more like a real person instead of a blacksmith's son who's just figuring things out.
KCD1: Still great storytelling, but Henry is more of a blank slate. Also, a lot of KCD2’s emotional moments hit harder if you’ve actually played the first game.
Verdict: If you’re invested in the story, KCD1 is worth playing. If you just want peak Henry, stick with KCD2.
5. Time Investment
KCD2: Massive game, but with some streamlined mechanics that make it less of a grind.
KCD1: Feels slower, requires more training to get good at combat, and has some mechanics (cough alchemy cough) that make you question your life choices.
Verdict: If you love a slow burn, KCD1 is worth it. If you want a slightly more modernized experience, KCD2 is where it’s at.
Final Verdict: Should You Go Back?
If you love KCD2 and want more of the world, KCD1 is absolutely worth playing—just expect some adjustments (aka patience-testing moments). The story is great, and you’ll appreciate KCD2 even more.
But if you’re hooked on KCD2’s combat, faster pacing, and improved mechanics, going back might feel rough. In that case, just watch a story recap and keep enjoying KCD2.
Either way, you’ll still end up spending way too much time sharpening your sword and getting distracted by random medieval nonsense.
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